So much as happened in the last three weeks let alone the last two months that I really don't know where to start. Let's start with the here and now. As I sit here in my little pink Peace Corps house I am greeted by the melodies of a musical group drumming, strumming and chiming away at the neighborhood Wat a few hundred meters from my open window. The music paired with the gentle rain fall and dancing trees in the wind make the situation even more comfortable. The notes that are fluttering into my house are exactly what you would imagine if you were to think of a mediation retreat at a hilltop temple- encouraging, full of story and exotic. At this moment it is a very nice reminder that I am in fact on a grand adventure. After the last few weeks of living in hotels and eating farang (foreigner) food I feel that I need a reminder as to why I'm here and what my goals are. That is not to say that I didn't completely love the last two weeks full of new experiences and time with friends. Actually, I'd like to thank everyone for making the two weeks at Reconnect so amazing.
On July 13th we had the honor of attending the events for the 50th anniversary of Peace Corps Thailand. To make the celebration even more prestigious a speech was made by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. She had wonderful things to say about the work done by Peace Corps Volunteers over the last 50 years. It was an unforgettable opportunity. Sixty volunteers had the chance to be in a photo with HRH. I was lucky enough to have my name drawn (literally from a hat) to be in Group 124's photo.
Peace Corps Thailand Group 124 with HRH Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
Karissa, Emily and I at the event.
The 50th anniversary was held in Bangkok. It was my first time staying in the city long enough to get a feel for the vibe. I had spent one night previously and it was not the best first impression. My initial trip to Bangkok for a medical appointment went fine until I had to find my way to a hotel alone at night. I had gone to dinner and shopping with a PC staff member and then took a bus back towards the office. I had a make shift map of how to get to the hotel from the PC office. I was told it was an easy 10 minute walk. I've traveled a fair amount and was sure I could figure it out. Generally, Thais don't walk places. So, upon hearing '10 minutes' I assumed five minutes in American paced walking. So, I got off the bus, bought a giant bottle of water (they only come in small or 1.5 liters), whipped out my map and set off. Only after walking for 15 minutes at American speed did I realize that things were not quite as they seemed. Monuments were not in order on my map and small side streets were not marked at all except for the one I was supposed to find...which didn't have a name. So, I kept on. I marked off landmarks as I passes them. A hospital-check, the national library-check yet there as no guesthouse in sight. By this time it was about 11 o'clock at night and I had been walking and back-tracking and asking for directions from Thai shopkeepers for about and hour and a half. Finally, I bumped into a few drunk Americans who were on a post graduation vacation. They asked where I was going, I told them I couldn't find it. They asked why I didn't have any stuff with me. I told them I was in the Peace Corps and I was just in BKK for the day. They asked why Peace Corps didn't just drive me to the hotel. I told them that Peace Corps does not function that way. They give you the tools and the knowledge and let you figure the rest out. We shortly parted ways and I decided to give up on my quest. I found an open guesthouse and didn't look too freaky and got myself into a private room (closet). I brushed my teeth, hopped into the well worn sheets and dozed for a few hours. I was up at 6. I decided to retrace my steps to see how far I had actually wandered the night before. I was about four miles from the Peace Corps office. Lesson learned? Visit the place you will be staying during the day. Navigating BKK is tricky by day and by night its not very fun.
My second time around Valerie and I stayed at Lub.d hostel. Its a little pricier (for PCVs not people with real money) but well worth it. You pay for location but its totally worth it. Its steps away from the sky train and smack in the middle of Siam- a bustling neighborhood including a few malls, a gourmet food court and glorious night markets. We spent our free time shopping and eating as much ethnic food as possible (pizza, burgers, pasta, burritos, red wine and margaritas). We even found a pretty legit Irish pub that served Kilkenny Red Ale and was playing rugby on their T.V.s. It is hard to describe how all of this made me feel after being away from it for six months. I guess it felt normal to be in a city and to be able to eat/do anything you want at any time. That being said, I was tiring of how expensive everything was and I was craving some Som Tam. Its going to be very strange in 19 months when I go back to that for good. I have a feeling that the reverse culture shock is going to be intense. I already have adverse reactions to tourists. My view of what is appropriate is drastically different now. When I see people in short shorts or tube tops I literally stare. Not because I've never worn it but because I never see it anymore. So, if you plan on visiting, bring knee length shorts, dresses, skirts and shirts with sleeves (even if they are little). Also, please don't tie your shoes to your backpack. That my friends is a big cultural 'no no' that I see many a farang doing. The less offensive you are the better time you'll have. So smile and put on some clothes.
Chadchaya, Faith and I making Geng Kiao Wan
(Sweet Green Curry)
The next two weeks all 50 of us stayed at a hotel in Suphan Buri for an additional two weeks of training. Peace Corps training is twelve weeks long. PC Thailand Breaks it into two different sessions- which I love- ten weeks as soon as you arrive and then another two weeks after your first three months at site. This gives volunteers a chance to get in some self directed learning and bring up questions they are facing in their villages. Once again, shout out to group 124! I know almost all Peace Corps groups in every Peace Corps country thinks the same thing- that their group is awesome and ideal. I mean, I can't argue. I'm sure we're all awesome. I just happen to be very proud of how my group gets along. We would have sessions all day from 8-4:30 and then we would plan extra activities for ourselves. I think the extra planning comes from the fact that we haven't been able to plan anything social for the past 7 months. That is neither here nor there. Collectively we planned and successfully planned a poetry reading, two alternating workout classes/groups, massage sessions (done by our resident licensed masseuse), hair cuts, an Improv. night, two birthday parties, a cooking class and a fashion show. It was a ton of fun and I can't believe we have to wait until Mid-Service to see everyone again. Maybe we will plan a regional Thanksgiving.
Some of the girls celebrating Kyle's birthday!
Enjoying some ice cream and sorbet after a long day.
Now, I am home safe and sound for a few days. The return timing was a little strange. It is only a three day school week and then a four day weekend. I will be heading to Railay beach for the weekend. I can't wait to play in the sand and surf for a few days. Once again, I am often surprised at the life I am living.
Tomorrow is a very special day and I won't be able to participate. One of my closest friends is getting married. It is the small things like missing important days and events that bring on the homesickness. So, good luck and congratulations to Mr. Chris Sabo and Mrs. Lyndsey Anderson (soon to be Sabo)! I love you guys and know you'll be together forever...potentially the worlds most perfect pair.
Last but not least: All of the lucky soon to be Peace Corps Volunteers: If you open your little blue packet and see 'Country of Service: THAILAND' know that you're in good hands. We're all excited to meet group 125! We've made a Facebook group just for you. So, log on, search: Peace Corps Thailand 125 and you'll be on your way to making new life long friends!
The last week was full of fun and inspiring days along with a few cultural differences-slaps in the face...but hey, you can't win 'em all.
high-lights:
'When I grow up I want to be an artist!'
English Club- 90 kids drawing themselves as their grown ups in their dream professions. Adorable. Extra high-fives for those future artists and teachers!
2nd Graders- On Wednesday, at my smaller school a few second graders came to find me. They asked to 'shake hands' while miming the action (I don't know where they learned about this). So, indulging them, I shook their hands. Instead of letting go, they then bowed to me (still holding my hand) and then kissed my hand like I was a queen. The rest of the class got wind of what was going on, along with a few 3rd graders and soon enough there was a line of children to shake and then kiss my hand. Sometimes my life is so surreal.
Jaree's visit- Jaree is the Program Manager for the CBOD program here in Thailand. She was out and about in Kamphaeng Phet visit other volunteers and since she was in the neighborhood decided to come and say hello. Since I'm TCCO and she wasn't there to do an official evaluation we just got to have a very relaxed chat. It was so wonderful to talk to staff about trials, tribulations, worries and successes. She had positive feedback and was pleased to see how things were going and then helped to clear up some miscommunication about the goals of the Peace Corps program here. I wish she could visit weekly.
Banana bread- So, I've been doing a little research on how to bake with limited resources (an oven) and came across a few recipes online involving a rice cooker. Considering I'm serving in South-East Asia a rice cooker is one thing I do have in my new rental house. Houses are probably considered bad luck unless they have one upon moving in. If you didn't know, rice is a big deal here.
That being said, today I tried it for the first time! It worked perfectly. It is essentially like cooking in a dutch oven for all of you outdoorsy people or pioneers out there. So, make it in the woods too.
Here's how it went:
I thought my rice cooker knew it wasn't rice and turned off just to spite me. So, I held the button down with books. Don't do this. Your rice cooker knows whats up. Things started to smell burnt after about 2 minutes. I removed the books and everything was great after that.
finished when a toothpick or chopstick in my case comes out clean
flip on to some sort of clean surface. be careful, the pan is really hot. duh.
Enjoy the delicious dense banana bread!
How much of what?
1 egg
5 small bananas (or equivalent)
5 tablespoons of butter
2/3 cup of sugar
1 3/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon of salt
2 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
* this would be even more delicious with cinnamon and nutmeg and nuts...the sky's the limit. Create!
I am so happy and excited this worked. If banana bread works then peanut butter banana bread, pumpkin bread and carrot cake will all work too.
Lastly, some words of wisdom I found on a student's English notebook:
As usual, I've neglected to update my blog for an excusable amount of time. The fact of the matter is that things are starting to feel really normal here...even if crazy things happen everyday. I'm becoming much more comfortable with the continuous sweating, geckos and gecko poop all day everyday, strangers touching my skin, chickens in my yard that look like dinosaurs, lack of schedule (even though there is always a schedule), rice (I even miss it sometimes), intimate questions which I used to think were offensive, my hair falling out, my overwhelming hatred for ants, and my posse of elementary students who leave their classes to come find me and tell me every English word they know.
In the last month I've traveled to the south and north, started school at two schools, visited a national park, went to an Islamic wedding, slept and played on an island in the Andaman Sea, got to see new old friends (I already feel like I've know some of these people forever), missed home so much it hurt a little, moved into my own house, acted as translator for other 'farangs' who needed help and experienced far more than I can remember.
Here are a few examples to help you understand what I'm dealing with a on a daily basis:
- I am greeted by my co-workers as Ms. Universe or Ms. Thailand World more often than not.
- This year has been the hottest 'hot season' since 2002. Bring on the rain, please!
- An entire 5th grade class decided that since I don't already have a nickname, my nickname should be 'Barbie' because 'that's who you look like'. I would really like to see what their Barbies look like...if they are smelly, sweaty, and speak in broken Thai I might let them call me that.
- The cook at one of my schools was also my host 'mom' so she makes me delicious food everyday and I never have to deal with being offered pork or beef! Its awesome
-Students don't understand that people all over the world look differently from one another. I am still unsure how to answer questions like, 'why do you have blue eyes?' or 'why is your skin white!? its so beautiful!' Along with that, I think we're going to have some big talks about beauty and self esteem.
- Some days I wake up with geckos on me.
- I have no idea how I loved so long without eating tropical fruit everyday. It might be the hardest part of readjusting when I move home in 2 years.
- Learning how to cope when you're not prepared...almost everyday. When is the worst time to discover your head lamp is broken? When the power goes out and our in the middle of doing your laundry and you don't own any candles.
- Co-teaching is not as easy as it seems. We're all learning this day by day. I may in fact be the most patient person alive upon my return.
I'll write in more detail about these events later but for now I'll give you some pictures to check out so it feels like you were there too!
Weea and I at the waterfall at the National Park close to my community.
In Khlong Lan National Park
Some of my favorite ladies at Rissa's co-teacher's wedding.
Thai princesses...I think we can all say, I've found my look!
Before Valerie's English camp they dressed us up in traditional Thai garb.
Arriving at Ko Phayam!
Sometimes Thailand looks like Washington.
Bungalow breakfast and the beach 50 yards away. Life is so good!
2nd grader posse
English Club! The first day we had 90 students attend. Its going to be intense!
This is just a word to the wise. Just because a Caucasian woman speaks to you does not mean she would like to be a part of your future life. I am not interested in sleeping with you. I am merely being led by the hand (literally) to come speak to you because you are the only other 'farang' in sight and that means we must know each other. I am happy you are here to be with your wife's family (huge surprise) but could you please tell her that I am not trying to persuade you back to the light side. Also, her dagger eyes can't offend me. I'm used to people staring at me 24/7.
Also, telling me you knew I was American by my accent is not a conversational topic. I can tell that you are German or British by your accent but don't mention it because it doesn't need to be said. So, please, smile, play along and in two minutes you can go back to your day.
Over and out, big guys.
I just want to take a second and say how thankful I am to have such wonderful people in my life. I have never felt more supported and loved than I do right now. I'm seriously blessed to have been given such great opportunities and to be connected to such inspirational people all over the world. So, here is a heartfelt 'thank you' to all of you. You really do help keep me sane.
I've officially been at site for two weeks. I'm learning daily that its all about the mini-milestones. My friend Valerie made a very accurate point yesterday. She said,' We only have one more of each day left'. What she means is that we will only have one more April 4th in Thailand. It seems like everything is so far away until you really break it down.
I know I've only been here a short time but I feel like I'm seeing so much more Thai culture than I ever did in Singburi during training. Granted, this is because I am with Thais all day doing Thai things instead of being in training and language class. That being said, I have so much to write about!
First, let's talk about the hardest part so far: learning to disregard everything you've ever been taught. OK, not everything but I do things here I would never do in America or Europe. Examples? You bet! Last week I was asked if I could help a student who is going to England for a month exchange program practice conversational English. Again, I said yes. So, we set a date- Friday I would speak in English with the student. Then I realized that Friday my co-teacher would be in Laos and I have never met this person or their family. So, Friday comes around and I am picked up by strangers, I get in their car and drive to their house (which is amazing). If you were to ask me if I'd ever get into a car with a stranger to go to their house I would quickly answer with a very firm 'no'. But, here it's almost expected. I just have to trust that things will work out. As far as I can tell the people here are looking out for my best interests so I am going to continue my blind trust until there is a reason for me to change my tactics.
The second hardest thing, believe it or not, is doing nothing. It should be easy to literally lay around all day. In fact, it is not. As Americans we are raised to be motivated go-getters. The Thai culture that I have experienced so far is much more relaxed. Don't get me wrong, Thais work very hard and do jobs that an average American would be reluctant to even try. There is a saying, 'Jai yen yen' which means something like cool your heart. It's meaning translates to 'relax' or 'slow down'. So, I've been trying to practice my 'jai yen yen' skills a lot lately. In America if you were to wake up, have tea and toast then lay down, then eat breakfast, then lay down and talk, then shower, then lay down and talk while having a snack, then go to lunch, then take a nap, then eat dinner and finally round the day off by watching TV and drinking more tea or coffee people would think you were crazy. This is normal here. It is taking some serious getting used to. Granted, it is summer break and teachers have earned it but I'm ready to go! I can't wait to start. I feel like I've been waiting for so long, now I'm here and I have to wait another month. I just tell myself, 'jai yen yen' about five times a day.
Speaking of getting started, we will have an English camp in the next month or so. The Thai Ministry of Education is sponsoring camps that must be accomplished by May 16th. So, my co-teacher is in BKK for meetings about said camps all week. She called today and said she is learning a lot and is excited. I can't wait. I'm not sure I get to officially participate in all three camps because they are not PC camps but I would love to help as much as possible.
I am realizing that this is turning into quite the hodgepodge of topics so I'll add a few stories about 'Thai Time' and you'll be out of here.
We refer to the way Thais deal with punctuality, and regard for time in general as 'Thai Time' is is much like 'Island Time' and very different from what we could call 'American Time'. The most frustrating part of 'Thai Time is the lack of details given along with an invitation.
This is the story of a very long visit to a backhoe. Last week my co-teacher said she had to run an errand to another province to get a part for her backhoe that is being used in yet another province to make a lake and asked if I'd like to go along for the ride. I obviously was doing nothing else so I said I'd go and we were off! We drove for about two hours to a neighboring province to the CAT urban retailer only to discover that the part we needed was not in stock and they'd have to order it from Bangkok. We had to pass through the Province my friend Erin and her husband Josh live in to come back to Kamphaeng Phet so my teacher asked me to text her and see if she was free. I was so excited to have coffee with Erin later that day! So, we went to eat goy-tee-aow (noodle soup) and then I was told were headed towards Sukhothai (Erin). This was true. I just was not aware there were a few more stops before we'd get there. We went to a few banks, and then went to the site where they are digging the lake...where we stayed for two and a half hours. I didn't bring a book because I innocently thought it'd be a quick trip. So, I just sat and tried to keep a passive positive expression on my face. Erin then called and said she had been invited to dinner with some teachers, ironically enough in Kamphaeng Phet. I wanted to cry I was so frustrated. The fact is, its not a big deal. I just was tired of having no control and being 'culturally sensitive'. So, we drove home shortly after that with a stop at the market in Kamphaeng Phet proper.
The second big 'Thai Time' incident happened today. My co-teacher is in BKK for meetings and she told me that Wednesday and Thursday there were meetings at the school I should attend. She tells me to go at 8am. Needless to say, I was very excited to be tasked with something as easy and minimal as going to a meeting in which I can't understand a thing being said. So, my host family drives me to the school and there is only one truck there. A few kids and adults are sweeping the grounds and that's about it. But, the office is open so I am told to wait there. Which I do. This time I brought a book (I'm learning). So, I just start reading, and reading and reading until about ten when teachers start showing up armed with brooms, dustpans, and vacuums. In fact today was not a meeting. It was cleaning day. I don't know why it is cleaning day considering school does not start for a month but it was. I asked if I could help and they told me, 'Mai, mai-bpen-rai. Ain noog-sue.' (No, don't worry about it. Read your book.). So, I did. Then at noon one of my favorite teachers took my to eat more goy-tee-aow and then brought me back to my host family's house. I'm learning to laugh at these situations because really, there is nothing else to do.
Finally, I'd like to leave you with this video I found on another PCV's blog. I can't wait to make one about Thailand.
I'm happy and healthy and I hope you all are too! If you'd like my permanent address let me know!
I would like to preface this post by sharing a little Peace Corps insight. During Pre-Service Training we are all told over and over to take chances and say 'yes' to new experiences...as long as they comply with the rules we need to follow for safety and security reasons. I've been trying my best to have the adventure of a life time. I say yes to things without even know what might be in store. This was exactly the case on Wednesday on our trip from Singburi to Kamphaeng Phet. Wednesday morning was emotional. We all knew we had to leave and start our own individual adventures in separate villages all over the country. That being said, there were very few tears as we were driven away by our counter-parts and co-teachers. So, we're driving to my site, we stop for lunch, I'm a little nervous (as anyone would be) but trying to make the most of it when Kru Kate asks if I want to go see the monkeys. In grand old Peace Corps fashion I responded with a quick yes and a smile. We are in Thailand after all and the monkeys here are as cute as anywhere. So, at this point I'm thinking we're going to some sort of monkey preserve much like the bison range in Montana or something along those lines. Soon, out of nowhere there are these two 'mountains' in the middle of the rice fields. We turn and head straight for one called Khao No. She tells me that there are thousands of monkeys that live on the mountain in caves and at dusk thousands of bats fly out of the caves too. I'm thinking, nature; cool. We continue driving around the base of the mountain and see monkeys paying, swimming in puddles, cleaning each other and doing other wild monkey activities. we drive for about five minutes and then she pulls over next to trolly covered in wire and filled with food to feed the monkeys. Kate jumps out of the car, I follow her lead hesitantly and the monkeys instantly know whats up. Not fifteen seconds later we are surrounded by over 200 primates. Kru Kate then hands me a bag of nuts to feed to the little (and in some cases not so little) creatures. They are all around me so I thought if i threw them further away they might run to gather around the tossed food. Good in theory but actuality is another story entirely. I continue to throw the nuts when a monkey starts to pull my skirt. My skirt was sliding over my hips so i shoo the monkey way and pull up my skirt when it hits me. And by 'it' I mean a monkey. I was distracted by the little monkey on the ground and a much larger money decided it was time for action. He lunged at me, grabbed the bag of nuts from my hand and then jumped over my shoulder and ran away. I about lost it. I wasn't hurt, just a little scrape but I was seriously freaked out. I just stood there with my hands together looking at all of the other 400 eyes staring at me saying in Thai, I don't like monkeys! We stayed for another five minutes before we left. I can't wait to take people there when they visit. I'll stay in the car but it was such a surreal experience I think everyone should try it.
Lesson learned: Its nice to see animals in their natural habitat. You should leave them there and not disturb their way to life. Thailand might need signs that say, 'Don't feed the Monkeys' like we have for the bears in Washington.
Let the adventure continue!
First, I would like to start this riveting short story with a weather report. The 'hot' season in Thailand has officially started. It is much like that part in 'The Devine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood' where they say, 'There's not a g.damn breeze in the whole state of Louisiana'. You just sit and melt. So along with the heat and humidity the rice fields are also being harvested. When the fields are harvested there are millions or trillions of 1/8 inch long insects that swarm...everything.
So, like most insects they are drawn to light. Most families have been going 'lights out' at around 7:45 each night because if you have the lights on the room will be filled with hundred of these insects. I didn't really pay attention to this rule thinking that they'd mind their own business. Valerie was over last night until about 8:30. We we're just hanging, shootin' the breeze about the end of PST, you know, sweating together. She went home and I decided to take a shower.I thought I was being tricky by leaving the light in the hall on instead of in my room. I was anticipating the insects to fly towards the new light once mine was turned off. This was not the case.
I walked into my dark wood room after my shower (I didn't turn on the light) and started to change into my pajamas. Then out of no where I started being pelted by the bugs! They were flying onto me because I was the new lightest thing in the room. I had 50+ insects all over me. All I could think was, 'Is this real life?'.
People here are obsessed with white skin. They think it is very beautiful...but now it might also be a hazard!
I can't believe its the end of week nine already. I have my final Language Proficiency Exam tomorrow afternoon. I need to score a Novice-high to not require a tutor at site. I feel pretty confident. We've learned a ton but our aa-jans (teachers) have been amazing. I'm amazed at our language abilities. So, we'll see how it goes tomorrow!
Today was the last day of technical training. Our session ended with a few tears and lots of hugs. I feel honored to be surrounded by my fellow TCCO volunteers. We've grown into a close little family full of support and encouragement. We love the CBOD volunteers but, the dynamics are just different. I'm sure they feel the same way. Today felt a little like the last day of high school...but like we were all going to the same university and would see each other around. I don't think it's really sunk in yet that in two weeks we're going to be alone in our communities. Its an entirely bittersweet situation. I love being a part of this community (Bangrachan, PC staff, aa-jans, PCTs) but at the same time I'm psyched to start the next phase of this adventure. The next week is going to be full of packing, prep for a farewell party, logistical meetings, Final Progress Reviews and then swearing in. Its about to get really real!
On an entirely different note, I now know what it is like to have some stomach 'bug' in a developing country. This weeks been a little rough. My friend Emily and I ate the same things for lunch at a random restaurant on Monday and things have not been the same since. I'm super thankful for the Thailand PCMOs. They are so sweet and follow up regularly. We now have antibiotics along with anti-cramping and anti-nausea so hopefully this will all end soon. You never appreciate your healthy body until you no longer have it. So be nice to your body, its an amazing thing.
My host family is so nice. They just informed that I need to be home by 5:30 pm tomorrow because we're going somewhere as a farewell treat before I move to Klong Klung. I have no idea what is in store but I'm sure its going to be awesome and 50% lost in translation...which makes it hilarious, fun and a mystery.
Once again, I have more stories to share and no time to document all of the madness that is happening. At least it's good madness full of learning and friends and adventure so no complaints. I've been thinking a lot about how we all ultimately have one major choice each day. We can choose to be happy or we can opt for the (what I consider to be a lot more difficult) route of feeling like the world is out to get us. I don't know why I keep thinking about this but it really is nice to just choose the happier side of life. In any situation we have the option to feel upset or left out or like we got the short end of the stick but there is almost always a silver lining and I am going to cling to it for dear life if I have to. I'll let you know how it goes!
Last weekend we had or Peace Corps Office tour directly followed by our Site Visit! It was quite the adventure! The Peace Corps office is in an historic house in Bangkok and is equipped with not only offices of all of our favorite people, a medical wing but also a volunteer lounge full of books (hundreds), games, computers to use, t.v.s to watch, clean western bathrooms with showers to rinse off the road grime, couches to lounge on and a room to store your stuff while you bum around the city. Its nice to know there is a place to hangout that is our space. Its always a problem in cities to find a place to just be while waiting for a bus or connection. Now, we have one. While at the office I was asked to be the 'warden' for my region. I'm not sure what the position means but I'm pretty sure I will help to notify the other volunteers in case of an emergency, evacuation etc... It was nice to be asked by the Peace Corps staff. It was like a little vote of confidence that I wasn't expecting. Asking for my help insinuates that I'll be here for the two years and they do not feel concerned about my progress or abilities.
After the tour and pictures we were all off to the train or bus stations. I quickly got a ticket (using only Thai) and was set to leave within an hour. This meant that I didn't have a chance to eat pizza or nachos or a frappicino while in Bangkok but there will be time for that, I'm sure. I took a bus to what can only be described as a truck stop strip mall off of the freeway. I was a little confused about the location at the time but was insured by the driver that this is where I was to get off because he had spoken to my co-teacher on the phone. On the other side of the parking lot I was greeted by hugs and exceptionally warm smiles by Kru Kate (co-teacher #1) and her sister. So, I hoped in the car, we got some gas and we were off to meet her family. Its a very strange that I've turned into someone who can take a bus to the middle of nowhere to meet complete strangers in a language I don't actually speak and then stay with them for five days. Ten years ago this didn't even seem possible. Personal growth is a awesome thing to check back in on every now and again. At her house (which is beautiful and feels homey) I metKru Kate and the girl who is most likely going to be my new Thai best friend. Her name is Eim; she is 17, ambitious, funny, and so excited to help! Over the next 4 days we all spent time together, talked school, politics, vacations, food, made jokes, ate (the Thais love to eat), went orchid shopping, visited a medicinal hot spring, and went to school. I am in love with this family. They just feel so normal. I can't really imagine a better fit for a co-teacher. She is already on board 100% which is amazing considering we've been hearing horror stories from current PCVs about their teachers refusing to teach (as in they have not been in class for seven weeks in one case). I just don't foresee there being any major issues. The principal (or Paw-aw) is very excited for me to be there as are the teachers and students. The situation is great so far!
Monday was nation wide ONET testing and Kru Kate had to proctor the test at a different school. I went to 'our' school (she already calls it our school) just to hangout and be present. Little did I know that within the first thirty minutes of being there I'd be speaking to the entire school with microphones and video cameras. Impromptu speeches are not my forte but I put on the Peace Corps smile and did the dang thing. In retrospect, its actually really funny. It was like I was some sort of VIP coming to grace the school with my presence but really, I'm a dorky girl from Washington who just really likes to help. Throughout the day I felt like a celebrity always walking with teachers and engulfed in a sea of smiling children who were brimming with excitement and questions but were too shy to ask. By the end of the day the students warmed up and asked a few vital questions. Here is what I got: 'Do you have mosquitoes in America?', a fourth grader asked, 'We can be friends on Facebook?', 'How cold in snow?', 'Do you speak Thai?' which I answered in Thai and they all died laughing. It was a wonderful day full of small talk and genuine smiles.
Only seventeen more days until we swear in as official Peace Corps Volunteers. I can't believe how fast time flies. We have our Language Proficiency Exam a week from Saturday! Its crazy.
I'll leave with a few shots from this weekend!
This just in: I'm moving to Klong Klung in the province of Kampaengpat, Thailand in four weeks. It is between 40 and 80 Km from the Burmese border and in the northern part of 'Central' Thailand. It's approximately six hours from Bangkok. From the information I was provided it's an agricultural community of farmers and small shop owners. I'm very excited to meet my co-teachers. Kru Kate is the one who applied for a volunteer and we'll be teaching primary 4-6 this year. Her good friend Nong teaches in a town only 4 Km away and she's very interested in starting after school programs for the students to help them stay away from drugs and substance abuse. There is also a health clinic 100 meters from the school. The volunteers at the clinic work closely with the school so there is a great opportunity to focus on HIV/AIDS education in the community!
I already feel like this is going to be a good fit and I have not even visited yet!
Also, the next host family has a two year old kid. Thai toddler time for days! Life is good!
** sorry, I was asked to remove the photo for security reasons.
We're just about to finish week five of pre-service training which puts us just about half way. I'm starting to figure things out which feels nice. So, here is a list of things that I seriously enjoy about my new Thai life:
+ smiling children! they never get old...ever. They might be screaming 'farang' and chasing after my bike, or 20 of them might be grabbing me at the same time just so they can touch my skin but as long as they are smiling and laughing my heart just melts.
+ riding by cows grazing on the side of the road. its a great way to bring me back to the moment of how beautiful my life is. its also comical and much needed after a stressful day.
+ mentally engaged students! teaching is so fun when students want to play along.
+ interested Thai people. today while we were running multiple community members talked to us and were interested in why three foreign girls were running around the school track. I just hope that there are two or three interested parties at my site. making these simple and innocent connections really makes all of the sweating worth it.
+ Som Dom! this is the most delicious meal ever created. learn how to make it by watching this:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rz0EH5Of63w
+ getting letters and packages. it really makes m already wonderful days ever more amazing!
+ Thai family days. they are very confusing. i never know what's going on but i love it. i get to see a ton of cool things (ancient temples and huge statues of Buddha).
+ The fact that we are really living pretty rural. I mean there are huge lizards, snakes, spiders just by the road. Also, there are little geckos and toads everywhere. I've seen at least fifteen different types of butterflies and more types of birds than I can count. Just before dawn the world comes alive. its an amazing thing to hear!
Once again... sorry I've been so absent with this blog writing thing.
We've been very busy. Everything has been going exceptionally well. Most days start off with a four hour block of language training. I can not believe how quickly we are all picking up the Thai language. Before I left I was pretty terrified about learning the language (it seemed impossible). I'm now at the point where the words and sounds don't sound particularly foreign... they just sound like words. We are also learning the alphabet at the same time and we've gotten to the point in which we can sound out words and read whole sentences! I can't believe we've only been learning for two weeks. So far we can talk about our families, introduce ourselves and ask others about themselves, order food, talk about likes/dislikes with food and activities, ask about languages, talk about things we do well (or don't do well), tell people were we are going and ask about where they have been, and can tell time and ask when things are. I can't wait to learn more and be able to physically write in Thai.
The technical part of training has been a little more challenging. Some of us are unclear about the objectives but we're making it work. Its all part of the process. A bit about my practicum school: I'm co-teaching with the fabulous Erin. We're teaching three sections of M.3 (9th grade) and two sections of M.4 (10th grade). Its been fun so far but our feedback has been that our lessons were too easy...at least the student's liked it (and understood)!
Its been so long and I feel like there are so many stories from each week that I am not sure where to start. So, I think I'll sum up some of the coolest moments so far or the most impressive memories.
- The Thai people. I seriously can not believe how nice everyone is. It is rude not to smile at strangers (such a strange experience after France). Everyone is more than hospitable. I just was informed today that there is a man who's house we ride by on the way to language in the morning and he wants to cook us lunch in the next few weeks just to hep welcome us 'fa-rangs' to the community.
-The Language training. I know I mentioned just above but the methods that the ajaans (teachers) use is seriously impressive. We speak no English for 4 hours and just absorb Thai like our brains are two years old again. Its pretty cool.
- The food. Its been delicious, a little freaky, new and exciting. I've started calling all meal times 'adventure eating' because that is exactly what it is. I never know what is actually in the food that I'm given. I just try it and go from there. So far its been overwhelmingly good.
- The children. Each day we ride our bikes to a Wat (temple) to learn Thai at a small school there. Each day we are greeted by anywhere from 5-20 smiling faces singing 'Hello! Good Morning!'...it really is the best way to start a day. Plus, they all line up for high-fives as we ride by on our bikes on the way out. Absolutely adorable.
- All in all I just feel very lucky and thankful for the opportunity to be here. I've met some fantastic people and I am sure that will only continue. Everyone is open and ready to meet the strange white foreigner. The Vice-Director at my practicum school already tried to hook me up with her son. He evidently speaks English very well and has white skin just like me... match made in heaven, right?
Chicken-feet soup
Students at the school where we learn Thai.
Monkeys rule the streets of Lop Buri.
The view from my host family's river-side convenience store/ hangout area.
Karissa getting into the moves at a Thai birthday party!
These cows are huge and always just wandering around grazing.
Our first elephant!
My February resolution is to write my frequently. They say resolutions are more likely to be stuck to if you write them down so, here goes nothing.
First, hello from Thailand!
Second, sorry this has taken so very long for me to update.
I don't have a ton of time so I will try my best to do a quick update to get everyone up to speed on the situation and whats going on with me on this side of the world.
All 52 of us met in Detroit for a staging orientation which was helpful to get some of the logistical suff out of the way. The next day we left for a grueling day of flights. After crossing the international date line and 21 hours of flying we arrived in Bangkok to a fabulous welcome of orchid leis and big smiles. We then took a bus 2 hours away to the provence of Sing Buri.
The first two days of Pre Service Training (PST) were full of a ton of information about safety. language (it's actually going very well), and home says with the host families...which included demonstrations on how to do laundry, chance while wearing a pasin, and use a squat toilet.
Today was the best day so far. We met with the vice govener of the provence and had to introduce ourselves in Thai (name, last name, and where we were from city, state and america). I should mention that we only learned how to say that yesterday afternoon. Needless to say, we're all rockstars and nailed it. After that we took a huge group photo with all of the important people from the community.
Next we went to the Hub site (where we'll all be meeting during our home stays for lessons) and got our bikes! We got the serious hook up: brand new mountain bikes, helmets, locks, pump...the works! Not only did we get new stuff but we got to spend the whole day biking and hanging out. It was a very needed almost-free-day.
I just bought a cell phone and it's time for dinner and shopping. I'll add photos as soon as i have a spare few minutes. Thanks for following along! it going to be a great story!
